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Tina Modotti: A Fragile Life
Now widely recognized as one of the early twentieth century's most extraordinary photographers, Tina Modotti was remembered until recently more for her relationship to Edward Weston than for her own strong, sensuous work. This comprehensively produced biography, now published for the first time in paperback, captures in over 100 striking photographs and a sympathetic, meticulously researched text the fullness of a life wholly committed to political, personal, and artistic freedom. From her early days in Hollywood as a silent film actress, through the creative, fruitful years in Mexico with Weston and her political exile in 1930s Europe, to her sudden death in 1942, Tina Modotti's courage, clear vision, and dramatic flair made her one of the most internationally controversial and widely admired artistic figures of her day. Perceptive and authoritative, Tina Modotti lifts the veil on a fragile life of iron.
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 6, 2012
I have been a fan of Mildred Constantine for a long time and while looking for another book of hers, ran into this one. I knew nothing about Tina Modotti but was fascinated to learn her story and see her photographs.
The book is an interesting arrangement of photos, letters, and newspaper accounts. I felt like Constantine did a very credible job of getting to the heart and soul of this little known photographer- proving that there were many women in her era doing unrecognized quality art work.
The book is an interesting arrangement of photos, letters, and newspaper accounts. I felt like Constantine did a very credible job of getting to the heart and soul of this little known photographer- proving that there were many women in her era doing unrecognized quality art work.
February 4, 2025
La idea del libro es muy buena, la forma en que condensa la biografía mejor, las fotos escogidas y el formato del libro perfecto, el aporte de la transcripción de las cartas personales de Tina y algunos amigo aun mejor, pero la interpretación que trata de dar de Tina a partir de esas cartas es pésima.
Es muy difícil tratar de interpretar a alguien a partir de unas cartas y mas cuando se tiene idealizada y solo se ve coraje y perfección. Esta mala interpretación daña el libro y lo pone un tanto aburrido.
La vida de Tina sigue siendo algo admirable y, hasta cierto punto, envidiable, pero es mejor que cada cual saque sus conclusiones a partir de lo que nos dejó.
Es muy difícil tratar de interpretar a alguien a partir de unas cartas y mas cuando se tiene idealizada y solo se ve coraje y perfección. Esta mala interpretación daña el libro y lo pone un tanto aburrido.
La vida de Tina sigue siendo algo admirable y, hasta cierto punto, envidiable, pero es mejor que cada cual saque sus conclusiones a partir de lo que nos dejó.
December 26, 2019
This is a sympathetically written biography with many photos on a figure many people will not be familiar with. Tina had a short but intense life and was part of the political and artistic ferment of the 1920's and 1930's. She know and inspired many painters and photographers including Weston and Rivera.
Well worth reading if you are interested in this historical period particularly in Mexico, Spain, and France.
Well worth reading if you are interested in this historical period particularly in Mexico, Spain, and France.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews